OCTA begins construction of final three grade separations in O.C. Bridges program

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) officials and city leaders from Fullerton, Placentia and Anaheim, Calif., marked the start of construction on the final three projects in the O.C. Bridges program with a groundbreaking ceremony May 9.

Up to 70 trains, some more than one mile long, travel through the area daily. That number is expected to increase to nearly 130 trains each day by 2030. Underpasses will be built at Raymond Avenue and at State College Boulevard and an overcrossing on Lakeview Avenue where those streets intersect with BNSF.

The goal of the entire $630-million O.C. Bridges program is to separate car and pedestrian traffic from the busy rail line, enhancing safety and improving commute times by eliminating the need for drivers to wait at rail crossings.

At Raymond Avenue, an undercrossing between Santa Fe and Ash will be built. Fullerton is leading construction of the project with assistance from OCTA and the cost is $112 million, with completion expected in early 2018.

At State College Boulevard, an undercrossing between Santa Fe and Valencia will be built. Fullerton is leading construction of the project with assistance from OCTA and the cost is $86 million, with completion expected in early 2018.

At Lakeview Avenue, an overcrossing is being constructed between about 200 feet south of Orchard Drive and 150 feet south of Eisenhower Circle. OCTA is leading construction of the project and the cost is $96 million, with completion expected by late 2016.

"Building these bridges and underpasses improves traffic flow and safety for those who travel through this area," said OCTA Chairman Shawn Nelson, also the chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. "OCTA has developed strong partnerships with the cities along the corridor and we're excited to work with them to get these last three projects done."

Undercrossing and bridges along the rail corridor also have been completed or are under construction as part of the O.C. Bridges program at Placentia Avenue, Kraemer Boulevard, Orangethorpe Avenue and Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive.

Each of the projects is being funding in part by Measure M, the county's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements and by state and federal funds.